Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Repost With Transcript: Heather Cox Richardson

221. Repost With Transcript: Heather Cox Richardson

A discussion on the evolution of economic writing in new media, emphasizing the freedom and depth provided by platforms like Substack compared to traditional journalism.

Schedule for Week of December 28, 2025

222. Schedule for Week of December 28, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic reports and data releases scheduled for the week of December 28, 2025, including housing and manufacturing indicators.

2025Q3 4.3% q/q AR Growth in Context

223. 2025Q3 4.3% q/q AR Growth in Context

The post discusses the unexpected GDP growth rate, emphasizes the importance of considering revisions in GDP data, and highlights the reliance on monthly indicators for recession dating.

EJ Antoni: “The truth about the Heritage Foundation’s economic principles”

224. EJ Antoni: “The truth about the Heritage Foundation’s economic principles”

An argument that critiques the Heritage Foundation's economic views, particularly regarding tariffs, trade deficits, and the implications of economic policies under the Trump administration.

The 51 biggest American political moments of the 21st century

225. The 51 biggest American political moments of the 21st century

The post highlights significant American political events from the 21st century, assessing their impact and relevance in shaping contemporary politics.

226. Charles Dickens on Management and Labor

An argument that Dickens critiques capitalism while advocating for empathy towards both management and labor, emphasizing the need for humanity in economic discussions.

Question #7 for 2026: How much will wages increase in 2026?

227. Question #7 for 2026: How much will wages increase in 2026?

The post discusses predictions for wage growth in 2026, analyzing various wage indicators and trends, while noting potential influences on future earnings.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Refs

228. Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Refs

Kevin Lavery discusses the complexities of sports refereeing, focusing on the impact of technology like VAR on decision-making and fan experience.

Why Everyone Loves Japan

229. Why Everyone Loves Japan

The post explores Japan's rising popularity as a travel destination and its potential economic revival through increased foreign investment driven by global interest in Japanese culture.

Emergent Ventures India, 15th cohort

230. Emergent Ventures India, 15th cohort

Tyler Cowen discusses the recipients of grants from Emergent Ventures India’s 15th cohort, highlighting innovative projects across various fields, including AI, agriculture, and technology.

Marijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time

231. Marijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time

An argument that easing federal restrictions on marijuana will lead to immediate and gradual changes in its legal status and regulation.

Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming

232. Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming

A forecast indicates a significant reduction in renewable energy growth in the U.S. amid increasing electricity demand, highlighting potential challenges ahead.

Jimmy Kimmel jokes about fascism in an 'alternative Christmas message' for Britain

233. Jimmy Kimmel jokes about fascism in an 'alternative Christmas message' for Britain

The post discusses Jimmy Kimmel's humorous take on fascism in his alternative Christmas message to British viewers, highlighting a troubling year for the U.S.

A Holiday Memo: NBER BCDC and Alternative Indicators

234. A Holiday Memo: NBER BCDC and Alternative Indicators

An argument that alternative economic indicators provide valuable insights beyond GDP, emphasizing employment and production metrics to assess economic conditions.

235. Charles Dickens on Seeing Poverty

The post reflects on Dickens' observations of poverty in Victorian England, critiquing the detachment of economists from the human suffering associated with it.

More on the GDP Release: Compare against “Core GDP” and GDO

236. More on the GDP Release: Compare against “Core GDP” and GDO

An argument that compares GDP with "core GDP" and GDO, highlighting differences in growth estimates and their implications for economic momentum.

237. Economics of the Attention Economy

Timothy Taylor discusses how attention has become a valuable economic resource, influencing consumer behavior and the dynamics of the modern economy.

Two Ways to See Abadie-Imbens Bias Correction (And Why It Might Matter)

238. Two Ways to See Abadie-Imbens Bias Correction (And Why It Might Matter)

Scott Cunningham discusses two representations of Abadie-Imbens bias correction in nearest neighbor matching and their implications for regression analysis.

Merry Christmas

239. Merry Christmas

Paul Krugman shares his Christmas Eve plans and reflections, blending personal anecdotes with a light-hearted commentary on social media interactions.

Question #9 for 2026: What will happen with house prices in 2026?

240. Question #9 for 2026: What will happen with house prices in 2026?

Bill McBride analyzes predictions for house prices in 2026, referencing economic indicators and trends from previous years.